About the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland

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The farmland and high mountain vistas of southern Oregon may seem an unlikely place for a world-class theater company; but the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), located in Ashland, Oregon continues to thrive nearly 75 years after its inception. Visitors to this area during theater season have several options for performances including classic and modern works and as well as taking in readings and other literary events.

History

The idea for presenting Shakespeare in Ashland came from English teacher Angus Bowmer, who noticed the walls of the dilapidated Chautauqua building in town and thought it resembled a classic Elizabethan stage. He asked the city if he could mount two productions over the Fourth of July weekend. Reluctantly, the city agreed and offered Bowman up to $400 to make the changes necessary to refurbish the stage and prepare the surrounding area for an audience. On July 2, 1935, OSF put on its first production of Twelfth Night. The shows were an immediate hit and, with the exception of years 1941 to 1946 (during World War II), OSF has been bringing theater to southern Oregon ever since.

Size

The OSF produces shows on three stages. The Elizabethan Stage/Allen Pavilion accommodates 1,190 visitors, the August Bowmer Theatre holds 601 and the New Theatre up to 360 people. During the course of the season the OSF presents 11 different plays (four Shakespearean and seven classic or modern works) to approximately 400,000 people. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has completed the entirety of Shakespeare's works (the canon) during the 1958, 1978 and 1997 seasons.

Typical Weather

Salem, Oregon in

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The temperature in Salem, Oregon in December tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Salem, Oregon in December is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Salem, Oregon in December is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Time Frame

The festival season runs for 8 1/2 months from mid-February until the end of October. Performances continue six days a week, with the theater going dark on Mondays. Matinee performances begin daily starting in March and continuing through the end of the season. A backstage tour is also available on most mornings.

Significance

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has won a Tony Award for Outstanding Achievement in Regional Theatre (1983), the Governor’s Association Award (1983), an ACLU Commendation award in 1990 as well as an Open Book Award for First Amendment Courage by the American Society of Journalists and Authors that same year. In 2003 Time Magazine touted OSF as one of the top five regional theaters in America and Nilo Cruz premiered Lorca in a Green Dress, a play that won the Pulitzer Prize for drama that year.

Considerations

Ashland, Oregon is directly off the Interstate 5 corridor 350 miles north of San Francisco and 285 miles south of Portland. One commercial airport, Rogue Valley International-Medford is within 15 miles of Ashland. Plenty of lodging in the form of hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, RV parks and camping are available near the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, though prior reservations are suggested for both performances and lodging during the peak season of late spring and summer. Tickets for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival can be purchased online.

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About the Author

Nikki Jardin began freelance writing in 2009 and focuses on food and travel articles. She has been a professional cook and caterer for more than 20 years. She holds a degree in environmental science from Humboldt State University.